Custom Harvest Hype

In this engaging interview, Chad Olsen from Olsen Custom Farms shares insights into his diverse agricultural operations, including planting, harvesting, and trucking. Chad discusses his journey from a small-town upbringing to managing a successful custom farming business. He highlights the importance of reputation, relationships, and adaptability in the farming industry. Chad also shares personal...

In this episode, Mandi and Monty Dunn dive into real-world experiences, current challenges, and the evolving landscape of the harvesting industry. The conversation covers what’s happening on the ground right now, lessons learned from recent seasons, and how operators are adapting to changing conditions. We also discuss the importance of community, shared knowledge, and staying ahead in a fast-movi...

In these short interviews, forage and grain harvesters share insights on the challenges and logistics of crop harvesting across multiple states, the impact of weather conditions, and the complexities of managing a large operation with a variety of workers and trucking logistics. Featuring interviews with forage and grain harvester Beau Froese, forage harvesters Sam Schippers, Mark Anderson, and Jo...

In this episode, Travis Dorn shares his journey from farming roots to grain harvesting, discusses the importance of safety and apprenticeship programs in agriculture, and offers insights into managing a family-run harvest operation. Discover practical tips for recruiting, training, and supporting harvest crews, along with personal stories of resilience and faith. Mandi also reminds the audience ab...

Mandi updates us on where the board has been, regulations affecting harvesters, and upcoming safety events. Also join us as Seth Buxcel shares his journey from Montana ranching and engineering to running a successful chopping and manure application business. Discover insights into rural entrepreneurship, equipment management, and the importance of word-of-mouth growth in agriculture. https://www.t...

Join us as we dive into an engaging conversation with Adam and Austin from Marsh McLennan Agency, dedicated to supporting and growing the custom harvesting community through tailored insurance solutions, safety initiatives, and meaningful relationships. The conversation highlights the value of face-to-face industry events and building trusted relationships. Learn about industry safety initiatives...

In the heart of Kansas, Mike Parker has built a legacy in custom farming that spans generations. From humble beginnings on his family farm to becoming a key player in the agricultural community, Mike's story is a testament to hard work, dedication, and a passion for the land. Join us as we explore his journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way.  https://www.tik...

In the ever-evolving world of organizational leadership, the transition from member to advisor can feel like a leap into the unknown. In a recent podcast episode, Mandi engages in a candid conversation with David, a seasoned board member who shares his experiences and insights from years of service. From the challenges of stepping back to the joys of mentorship, their discussion offers a wealth of...

Mandi interviews Taff Hughes, a seasoned agricultural professional originally from Wales, who shares his journey from rural UK to the heart of Kansas. Taff discusses his early life in Wales, his adventurous spirit that led him to the United States, and his experiences with various agricultural programs, including the J-1 visa. He reflects on his time working on farms in Ohio and New Mexico, highli...

In this engaging conversation, Mandi and Mychal discuss their experiences in the harvesting industry and family dynamics in business. Mychal shares his journey into harvesting, the challenges and rewards of running a family business, and his aspirations for future leadership roles. They also reflect on their experiences at conventions and trade shows, highlighting personal growth and the relations...

This interview is with Aubree and Rodney from the USCHI board. They discuss their first year-board experiences, the importance of current board work and the planning for the future. Mandi also takes us through a JCB factory tour and demo site via pics and videos. https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvesters https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

This conversation revolves around the experiences and insights of board members from the Custom Harvesters organization during their December meeting in Savannah, Georgia. They discuss their wheat harvest experiences, the importance of the JCB meeting, the challenges with non-domicile CDLs, and the planning for upcoming conventions and events. The conversation highlights labor shortages and the si...

Mandi updates us on the location of a few crews and how harvest is progressing. In the second episode of 2026 board candidate interviews, Mandi interviews Richard Wendland of Harvest Time Farms. Richard shares his journey in the agriculture industry, detailing his family's farming background, the evolution of his business, and the challenges faced in custom harvesting. He discusses the import...

Mandi updates us on the location of a few crews and how harvest is progressing. In the first episode of 2026 board candidate interviews, Mandi interviews Preston Owen of Show-Me Harvesting. This conversation explores the unique dynamics of the harvesting industry, highlighting the competitive yet collaborative relationships among professionals. It emphasizes the sense of community and support that...

Mandi updates listeners on where harvesters are at the moment and informs USCHI members about upcoming deadlines. In this conversation, Kristi Boswell shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Nebraska to becoming a prominent attorney and lobbyist in Washington, D.C. She discusses her work with the American Farm Bureau Federation and the USDA, focusing on agricultural policy and immigration...

Mandi updates listeners on where harvesters are at the moment and informs USCHI members about upcoming deadlines. In these conversations, Mandi interviews a few former USCHI scholarship winners - Michael Kraft, Zeb Hughes, Hunter Gallagher, and Lauren Slagell. They discuss growing up harvesting, their educational paths, challenges faced, and the future. https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvesters...

Mandi updates listeners on where harvesters are at the moment and informs USCHI members of industry regulation updates. In this engaging conversation, Mandi interviews Dave Curley, president of AgriKing, about his journey in football coaching, his family's agricultural background, and the evolution of AgriKing. They discuss the importance of teamwork in sports, the challenges faced in coachin...

Mandi gets us caught up on crews moving around the custom harvest world. In this podcast interview, Gary Dible shares his journey from growing up on a farm in Kansas to his current role as General Manager at Nebraska Harvest Center. He discusses his early experiences in agriculture, the importance of teamwork and integrity in the harvesting community, and the valuable life lessons learned througho...

Mandi gets us caught up on crews moving around the custom harvest world. She interviews kids that have grown up on a few different crews to get their perspectives and future plans. Mandi also gives some general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office. https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvesters https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi gets us caught up on summer happenings from the custom harvest industry. She also attended the CLAAS reveal a few weeks ago. This podcast features the new Jaguar forage harvester walkaround and Lexion combine walkaround. Mandi also gives some general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office and a walk-through of the NEW uschi.com! https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvesters h...

Mandi interviews USCHI Board of Directors President, Paul Paplow. Paul discusses how the 2025 harvest season might go and what current legislative topics USCHI is focusing on this year. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office and a quick wheat-harvest-begins update from Mychal Neumiller, USCHI Board Secretary. https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvesters http...

Mandi interviews USCHI Associate member Jason Schiebout from Scherer Inc. Jason discusses the history of the company, from starting in a small machine shop to a large new facility. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office. https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvesters https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews USCHI member Chadd Schmidt from Four Bar S. Chadd talks about life as a manure spreader and all that goes with it. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office. https://www.tiktok.com/@us.custom.harvesters https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Josh and Kailee Lennox who own 5L Custom Harvesting. Josh speaks about life in agriculture as a minority and he and Kailee speak about their custom harvesting journey. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office. https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/

Mandi interviews Sergeant Watson from the Nebraska Carrier Enforcement Division. Sgt. Watson attends our convention every year and goes over everything about inspecting and communicating with custom harvesters. Also featuring general updates from the US Custom Harvester association office. https://www.facebook.com/uscustomharvesters/